Into the Gloaming

Rating: T+
Summary: In the growing darkness Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn have to deal with a political assassination.
Disclaimer: All cannon characters are owned by the Great Flanneled One, and now Disney. All others are mine. I make no money off this.
Note: This is a sequel to The Winding Path

Timeline: 38 BBY

Speech: " "
Training Bond communications: /
Internal thoughts: italics

Chapter Two

Something was wrong. Something felt wrong. Eira Pedar stood in front of her standing mirror stripped down to nothing and looked critically at herself. Turning to the side she looked at her silhouette. Yes, she looked like she always had, but not so at the same time. Where are you Obi-Wan? Several days ago she tried to get his attention, but it didn't work. It felt as if he blocked her out. "Why don't you answer me?" she mumbled. Eira had heard stories about those who took that final step and became physically close, then disappeared. "No, he's not like that. He can't be like that. He's a Jedi." In fact, during his recovery there were long periods of time where there was no communications between them.

Shaking off her unnerving feelings, she went into her closet and looked for something nice to wear. It's not that she didn't have anything bad per se, but there were some times where she had to dress perfect. Even though she was the daughter of a leader from a non Republic world, she was still invited to attend an opera gala where members of the senate and other high government officials would be present. This would be a good time for her to actually make connections within the Republic. It was also mentioned that the Vice Chancellor would be there. Once finding what she thought was suitable, she brought it back into the bedroom and spread it out on the bed. The dress was made of black satin that wrapped around her body, the trailing edge would be draped over her arm to keep it from touching the floor.

"I should have had Megin come," Eira muttered once again as she pulled on the dress. For now she threw the trailing edge of material over her shoulder, then went back to retrieve a matching pair of shoes. She would never look at a pair of shoes that made her stand taller the same after what Obi-Wan did. Now she could laugh at the memory, though when it happened she was horrified. In hindsight she easily could see just how spoiled she was.

As usual, her hair and face always took the longest. When she was finally finished, she left the bedroom. "Rian?" Eira called as she went in search for something to put over her shoulders. From the short time she had been on Coruscant, she found that it wasn't as cool as Vasda. It was easy, though to adjust to the temperatures. What she didn't like was that there wasn't any green space. That's what she missed the most.

"Yes, my Lady?" Rian emerged from another room. His skin was of a lighter shade than hers, but that was about it. He was also dressed as impeccably as she was. Tonight he would be her escort to and from the gala. Glancing over to the chrono, she grimaced then turned her attention back to him.

"Even though it is fashionable to be late, I still do like it."

"Of course not, my Lady." With a hand indicating the door, he escorted her out of the apartment and down to the waiting vehicle. For this evening he would remain with the other servants who were escorts. Eira felt bad about it, but Rian only shook his head. "Don't worry about it, my Lady. I'll be fine."

After weaving their way through the air traffic, the car landed outside the opera house. Who she suspected were high level servants helped her out of her car and up the steps and into the opulently decorated opera house. The opera that was scheduled for later in the evening was one from Alderaan. Looking around again she saw where there was a table of hors d'oeuvres from all over the Republic. In front of each offering it stated where it was from and who could eat it. Taking a small plate, she picked at several that looked appetizing, then a glass of champagne. Even though she had some of her finest clothing on she felt as if she was an outsider with hand-me-down clothing. Just as she sat down at an empty seat a brown cloak swirled just out of eyesight. Turning, she looked to see who it was. Her heart jumped and heat shot from her head to her feet when she thought she recognized who it was. Obi-Wan?

The brown cloaked individual hesitated before continuing on to whatever destination they had planned, it wasn't much, but Eira saw it. Smiling to herself, she turned back to her light meal and picked at the food. When finished, she took the long fluted glass and began to circulate through the crowd. This was the first time she did this without her father nearby, and it was rather unnerving. Taking a deep breath she wandered over to the closest group so she could listen to the conversation. Instead of hearing though, she that feeling again that something was off, but this time it was with the people before her. Hoping for it to change, or at least go away, she excused herself and went over to another group. It lessened, which was good, but not good enough for her.

With another sigh, she turned and bumped into Obi-Wan spilling the champagne. "Oh, I'm sorry," even though her skin was dark she swore that everyone could see her red face.

Obi-Wan reached out and took her shoulders to steady her. His eyes widened as they swept down and then up. For a moment there was a smile, but it disappeared. "Are you okay, ma'am?"

"Yes…Jedi." Are you okay, she echoed his verbal question.

I'm exhausted.

While taking a step back Eira looked at his face. Even though there were no dark circles under his eyes, it was obvious that he was very tired.

And this actually feels like a vacation. He paused, I wish I could see you on a regular basis, but I believe my Master is preventing it.

"I didn't know that they invited Jedi." Eira turned towards the table to retrieve another glass. Really? She felt her hopes dashed.

Only for now, dear. I'm about caught up to my studies. "Yes, my lady," he took several steps to join her, "We go wherever our Masters are sent."

"So you're an apprentice?"

"Yes, ma'am." He paused, "You're not from Coruscant?" Just go along with the conversation, please?

What? It took a moment for Eira to realize that he was trying to make it look as if they didn't know each other. "Yes," she nodded. "I recently moved here from my homeworld." When he reached the table, Obi-Wan picked up another champagne flute and handed it to her then reached for his own.

"So, are Jedi allowed to have anything to drink?" Eira took a sip, blinking at the taste.

"Within reason, ma'ma. It would not be very becoming to have a drunk Jedi at any political gathering." We need to be completely aware of our surroundings. Plus, we are part of the security. He looked beyond her to the senators and officials. For a moment he saw Qui-Gon, then brought his attention back to her. Though I'd much rather be with you.

"No, I don't think that would be becoming." She tightened her fingers on the champagne glass, then tried to force them to relax. I hate this. In truth she wanted to throw her arms around him, but this was a very public place.

Obi-Wan's eyes narrowed as he looked down to her fingers. I know.

Since you're part of security…, she glanced over to the side and the first group she had been with. They were still talking.

"What is it?"

"I'm not sure, but there are a few here that make my skin crawl."

Obi-Wan followed her gaze to the group and then back to her. "Anyone I should know about?"

"I'm not sure, it just doesn't feel right." Eira took another sip of the champagne, and crinkled her nose at the carbonation.

"Ma'am, if feel like you're being followed, we need to know about it. You're protection is our goal here." Are you safe?

I can take care of myself, you know.

I do understand, but if it's a dark force wielder, then that's not good at all. They're almost impossible to go against if you're untrained.

Her eyes widened for a moment. Could you keep the link open?

I will, dear. He gave her a mental caress then backed away.

"I'm fine. With so many people here why would someone want to try anything like that?"

"You'd be surprised, my lady." He smiled and nodded while taking another step back.

Thinking the conversation was over, at least for now, Eira raised her glass. "To think I've been able to meet an actual Jedi."

Obi-Wan answered with his own smile and nod to the head, then went off in the general direction of the group she had pointed out to him.

Hiding her smile, she set the half consumed glass of champagne down and decided to head in the opposite direction, specifically away from that odd feeling she had earlier. It wasn't there anymore, but she didn't know if that was good or not. If there was one thing that Obi-Wan had told her was that she needed to trust her feelings. Glancing to the chrono she had on her wrist, she had more than enough time to go exploring, specifically to see if that feeling was still there or not.

Eventually the sensations came back. Following it she turned down a corridor that had several doors on either side of the hallway. These were not the modern doors that slid into the wall, but more along the lines of what they had in Artwe. One was open just enough for her to hear voices raised. Hating loud arguments, she approached it and pushed the door further open. At the far end of the room was the Vice Chancellor arguing with a Chagrian, who towered over the fair skinned Zibek. There was also one guard that was watching everything.

"This will not work, Mas. You have to understand that."

"Then the senate will get involved."

The Vice Chancellor reached out a hand to grasp the other's arm. "No. Plus Valorum will not even consider bringing it to the body."

"Oh it will be brought." The Chagrian left the room from another exit with his hands balled.

For a moment Eira felt as if she was somewhere she wasn't supposed to be. Hoping to leave without being notice, she slowly backed away. Just as she reached the door the Vice Chancellor took a step towards the exit that the other had left through with the guard now behind him. Just as she turned to leave there was a blaster shot. The strange feeling Eira had grew until she felt like it completely overwhelmed her as time seemed to stretch. Obi-Wan…. Whirling around she watched as if in slow motion the Vice Chancellor fall forward.

Everything snapped back when a hand settled on her shoulder. Somehow she knew it was Obi-Wan. Without considering the consequences, she turned into what felt like open arms.

"You're all right," Obi-Wan mumbled as his arm tightened around her for a moment then he pulled back.

Eira turned to see what he was pointing at. For a moment it felt like it was some bad holovid. The guard stood there still behind the Vice Chancellor now on the floor, with blaster in hand, unmoving. Both Jedi and other security officers spilled into the room and spread out to make sure that the area was secure, and to seal it off from any high society eyes.

"Padawan?" Qui-Gon appeared.

Behind Qui-Gon a reddish Twi'lek appeared. Pinned to his uniform was a head of security badge. Upon seeing the body, he moved across the room with quick strides and examined the fatal wound, while another Jedi approached the guard and pulled the blaster out of his hand and gave it to another guard.

"I'm not sure how much she saw, Master."

Qui-Gon looked to her and shook his head when she opened her mouth. "Not here, my lady. There will be time for that soon enough."

"Is she the witness?"

Turning around, the Twi'lek who had been examining the body had approached the three of them.

"Yes," Qui-Gon nodded. Turning back to her, he continued, "Ma'am, if you wish, I can have my Padawan escort you to your home."

"Thank you," it came out barely a whisper.

"Good," the Twi'lek looked over her for a moment. "Don't talk to anyone, my Lady. Security will wish to speak with you as soon as possible. Don't be surprised if its as early as tomorrow. And Master Jedi," he turned his attention to Qui-Gon, "We will want your Padawan to be there since he was the first one on the scene."

"I understand."

The trip back to Eira's apartment was somber. When they stepped through the door and into the public area, she dropped her shawl on a chair and sat down on an available seat as Rian disappeared through a door. Eventually she looked up to watch as Obi-Wan looked around the room before setting his attention on her. Pulling off his cloak he dumped it on another chair then came over to sit beside her. "It will get better," he put his arm around her and pulled her close.

"Is it always like this?"

"If it helps, I felt the same way the first time I saw someone killed. I also don't want you to think that you get over it. It does get easier to deal with, but that's about it." Leaning over, he pressed his lips against her forehead. "Come on."

Getting up, he reached for his cloak then pulled Eira to her feet. For a moment she hoped that he would stay the night, but she wasn't sure if was wise or not. At least she was aware enough to consider the implications if he was found here much later than expected.

"I can't stay here that long, dear," he stopped when they were in her private chambers.

"I know." Releasing his hand, she sighed as she rubbed her arms. "I feel out of sorts."

"Not all that surprising," reaching out, he cupped her face, then pulled her into an embrace. "But Rian is here. He'll make sure that all is well."

As if he heard, the door opened and Rian appeared, now dressed in his normal attire, with a frown on his face, "My Lady, the media has already called for interviews concerning the tragic events at the Opera House. Some are even demanding access here."

Eira took a step back as Obi-Wan turned to look at Rian. "Rian, no one is to come here, no matter what they offer or bribe you with. Eira's well-being takes precedence over anything and everything else, especially now."

Rian smiled, "Of course Jedi Kenobi." He paused, "Will you be staying?"

"No," Eira shook her head. "If he did and someone from the media managed to get past security…," she frowned.

"The press would have a field day," Obi-Wan answered with a wry grin.

Answering with another smile Rian bowed and left the smaller room.

Now alone once again Eira turned back to Obi-Wan, "For once you can leave by the front door. Everyone knows that you escorted me here." She brushed his braid across his shoulder so it would fall behind him.

"Don't worry, everything will be all right in the end." He cupped her face and drew his thumb lightly across her lips. Keep the bond open for now.

"I will. Stay safe."

"I will." Leaning forward they kissed. Releasing her, he turned and left the apartment.

TBC...